Foden happy with early form despite Manchester derby ban

Phil Foden says he is happy with his form this season despite a three-match suspension that followed his red card against Manchester United. He spoke at a pre-match news conference in Leipzig ahead of City's Champions League clash with RB Leipzig on Wednesday at 20:00 UK time.

“I think personally it’s gone really well [this season],” he said. “I had the unfortunate red card against United. But the break did me good.”

He added: “I think I came back really fresh minded and sharp. And I’ve been involved in a lot of goals recently so I’ve been really happy with my own performance to be honest.”

City have won two of their opening three Champions League matches. Foden scored a hat-trick in the 5-1 win over AEK Athens at the Etihad Stadium, and he scored his first Premier League goal of the season in the win over Ipswich after serving the ban.

On what is working well, Foden said: “Being involved in goals gives you a lot of confidence.” He also said regular football helps players find a rhythm.

Foden is playing under Enzo Maresca for the first time after Pep Guardiola gave him his debut as a 17-year-old nine years ago. Foden worked with Maresca when the Italian was Guardiola’s assistant, and he said their philosophies are very similar.

“It’s similar stuff to be honest with Enzo,” he said. “And me personally as well I still play different positions with him.”

Manchester City are second in the Premier League table with 21 points from nine matches.